Ed Dickens is a longtime Union Pacific steam specialist and the senior manager of Heritage Operations, best known for leading the restoration and operation of Big Boy No. 4014. His background includes military service, hands-on work with historic steam engines on the Georgetown Loop and Durango & Silverton narrow gauge railroads, and a railroad career that began with Southern Pacific in 1993, where he became a locomotive engineer in 1994.

Background

Dickens built a rare mix of practical steam experience and railroad operations expertise. Union Pacific describes him as having an extensive background in steam engines, and by 2010 he was heading UP’s steam team.

Career path

  • Military service first, then work on heritage steam railroads like the Georgetown Loop and Durango & Silverton.
  • Joined Southern Pacific in 1993.
  • Became a locomotive engineer in 1994.
  • Later moved into Union Pacific’s heritage operations and steam program leadership.

Role with Big Boy 4014

Dickens led the project to restore Big Boy No. 4014, one of the most famous steam locomotives in the world, and served as the public face of its return to service. In that role, he handled maintenance planning, logistics, operations, and steam program leadership.

Why he stands out

What makes Dickens notable is that he combines technical steam knowledge, railroad operating experience, and heritage-preservation work. That combination is unusual in modern railroading and is a big reason he became central to the 4014 story.

TL;DR

Ed Dickens is a Union Pacific steam expert, former locomotive engineer, and the leader behind the Big Boy 4014 restoration, with roots in military service and heritage steam railroads.